does power factor affects the spark plugs in a gas motor

[gaux]

We got a gas motor, Deutz motor, with spark plug in each cilinder, and we have started to control pf of the generator in the way to import reactive from the net, and we start to find more problems than usual, cause the spark plugs life get short.... in example normal life was 500 hours and now is 300 hours.....
For this i was wondering if the fact of the power factor could affects the life of my spark plugs... all people around tell me that´´s a stupid question but i don´´t know...
thanks in advance for your time

 

[Hoxton]

No questions are stupid. That is, not asking a question when you have a problem you cannot resolve and need help - that is stupid!

Anyway, altering the power factor in itself will not affect spark plug life. However, have you changed the duty of the engine? Is the kW load now varying? Has the gas fuel changed (especially if it is a biogas).

500 hours is already a short life for a spark plug!

Is is a "J" type plug, like you get in a car, or the newer one with the holes in the end?

What is the lube oil consumption? How long since overhaul?

What is the model of the engine TBG.... or TCG....?

 

[oldfieldguy]

I agree with Hoxton's comment.

Analyzing the condition of failing spark plugs is a broad subject. I don't have a reference off the top of my head, but you might google the question and see.

By 'reading' the plug you can get excellent insight as to what is causing reduced life, factors such as fuel mixture, oil blow-by, coolant intrusion (on liquid-cooled engines) incorrect heat range on the plug, etc.

In short, many variables to look at , but power factor on the generator isn't one of them.

old field guy

 

[gaux]

thanks, maybe the best thing is to ask for a assistance from the guy of the motor, in this way have delete the responsability of the generator eng.
thanks very much.......

 

[waross]

If you are only changing the power factor, there will be no effect on the engine. However, if you have to ask, it is possible that however the power factor is being changed, something else is also changing and that is changing the load on the engine.
Is is a power supply generator or is it used for power factor correction and voltage adjustment? I know of one diesel installation where the generators are at the load end of a long transmission line and generate little real power, but are used mainly for voltage adjustment. Under this condition there is little load on the engine. Diesels under light load will pump oil, called wet stacking or slobbering. Gasoline engines may well pump oil and fowl the plugs.

Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter